BISHKEK, April 27. /Dunyo IA/. The popular Kyrgyz publication “Vecherniy Bishkek” has published an article titled “A New Ecosystem Has Emerged on the Dried Bed of the Aral Sea”, reports Dunyo IA correspondent.

The article notes that at the beginning of the 20^th century, the Aral Sea was considered the largest lake in Central Asia. Starting from the second half of the century, as a result of the sea drying up, a new desert ecosystem - the Aralkum Desert - formed on its bed. This territory is currently considered one of the largest man-made (anthropogenic) desert ecosystems in Central Asia.

It is emphasized that the ecological changes occurring in this area have significantly impacted not only the climate and soil composition but also biological diversity. As a result, the habitat for species adapted to wetland ecosystems has decreased sharply. At the same time, the Aralkum Desert - which formed between the Ustyurt Plateau and the Kyzylkum Desert as a distinct and unique desert ecosystem - has led to the formation of a new composition of bird communities.

According to the article, a natural remnant of the Aral Sea persists in the northwestern territory, while southern artificial reservoirs, created by drainage and collector waters, function as critical wetland biotopes for hydrophilic birds. These water bodies, despite their artificial nature, serve a vital ecological role in the region.

In conclusion, it is noted that the Aralkum Desert, formed on the dried bed of the Aral Sea, has emerged as a distinct new desert ecosystem within a short historical period. Conducted research shows that various biotopes have formed in this territory, directly influencing the distribution and diversity of birds. The greatest diversity of avifauna was recorded in sandy desert biotopes, while in salt flats and clay areas, this figure was low. The research results serve as an important scientific basis for identifying key bird habitats within the Aralkum territory and developing measures for their protection.